Controversy Over 2025 UTME Results: JAMB’s Response Fails to Address Public Concerns
The release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has caused widespread anger and confusion. Out of 1,955,069 candidates who took the exam, more than 1.5 million (78.5%) scored below 200 out of 400. This shocking outcome has led to protests on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), with students, parents, and teachers demanding explanations from JAMB.
In response, JAMB released a statement through its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, promising a quick review of the results. However, this response has done little to calm the situation. Many believe JAMB is not taking the concerns seriously.
This article examines five major ways JAMB’s handling of the situation has failed Nigerian students, exposing deep problems in the system and damaging public trust.
1. JAMB Gives Unclear Answers Instead of Real Explanations
JAMB admitted that there were “unusual complaints” from “a few states” but did not provide clear details about the technical problems that affected the exam. Many candidates reported serious issues, such as:
The first 10 questions in the Use of English section not appearing on their screens—only the answer options were visible.
Some students who scored very high marks in 2024 (like 295) suddenly scored very low (like 132) in 2025, raising doubts about the accuracy of the grading.
JAMB did not explain these problems properly. Instead, it only said that experts from the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria and university vice-chancellors would review the results. Without clear answers, students and parents are left wondering:
Did over 70% of candidates really fail, or is there a problem with the system?
Why were some questions missing?
Why did some scores drop so drastically?
By avoiding these questions, JAMB is making students lose trust in the examination process—a system that is supposed to help them secure their future.
2. JAMB Reacts Too Late Instead of Preventing Problems
JAMB’s decision to speed up its annual review of the exam system shows that it was not prepared for the public backlash. Normally, this review happens months after the exam, but because of the anger over the results, JAMB is now rushing to address the issues.
Many Nigerians, like Alex Onyia (CEO of Educare), are even calling for a lawsuit to force JAMB to explain how the results were graded.
JAMB’s statement came days after the results were released on May 9, 2025, even though problems were reported during the exam period (April 24 to May 5). For example, JAMB had already banned four Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers in Kano, Zaria, Imo, and Ogun for technical failures. However, the board did not explain why these issues were not fixed before releasing the results.
This slow reaction shows that JAMB was not proactive in solving problems before they became a crisis.
3. JAMB Ignores the Concerns of Students and Parents
While JAMB says it is working with experts to review the results, it has ignored the voices of the people most affected—students, parents, and education activists.
Alex Onyia and others have demanded that JAMB release detailed marking sheets so candidates can see how their papers were graded. Many students who scored well in 2024 saw their scores drop sharply in 2025, and they want to know why.
Instead of listening to these concerns, JAMB simply said the results follow a “12-year trend.” This dismissive attitude makes people feel that JAMB does not care about their frustrations.
If JAMB truly wants to regain trust, it must engage with students and parents directly, not just hide behind statements.
4. JAMB Avoids Explaining Strange Score Differences
The 2025 UTME results had many confusing irregularities. For example:
Some candidates who scored 285 in 2024 scored 156 in 2025.
Others faced technical problems during the exam but were not given a fair chance to retake it.
JAMB’s response did not address these issues. Instead, it focused on its efforts to stop exam malpractice, such as withholding 39,834 results for suspected cheating.
While stopping cheating is good, it does not explain why so many students’ scores dropped so much. Many suspect there may have been errors in the computer grading system, but JAMB has not checked or explained this possibility.
By ignoring these concerns, JAMB is making students feel cheated and helpless.
5. JAMB Overlooks Bigger Problems in Nigeria’s Education System
JAMB’s response only talks about technical issues but ignores the deeper problems in Nigeria’s education system that may have contributed to the poor results. Some possible reasons for the mass failure include:
Poor preparation: Many schools do not teach students well enough for the exam.
Overconfidence: Because 2024 results were slightly better (26.35% scored above 200), some students may not have prepared as hard for 2025.
Logistical problems: Some candidates, especially those with disabilities, faced delays and other issues during the exam.
JAMB did not mention any plans to work with schools or the government to fix these problems. Instead, it acted as if the only issue was technical glitches.
If JAMB really wants to improve the system, it must push for better funding for education, teacher training, and fairer exam conditions.
What Should JAMB Do Now?
JAMB’s promise to review the results is not enough. To regain trust, it must:
Release detailed reports on how the exam was graded.
Let students see their marked answer sheets to verify their scores.
Allow an independent audit of the 2025 results to check for errors.
Work with schools and the government to fix bigger education problems.
The 2025 UTME results affect millions of Nigerian youths hoping to enter university. If JAMB does not act now, it will continue to destroy students’ trust and dreams.
